Complex issues call for an interdisciplinary approach and united effort, which is why Drexel announced late last year the establishment of the A.J. Drexel Institute for Energy and the Environment (IExE). The new institute will look at the science, economics and politics that influence decisions about energy and the environment, and serve as a resource for decision makers in the region and around the world.
“America is at a crossroads in terms of energy strategy, and Drexel’s research strengths are ideally suited to analyzing the costs, benefits and tradeoffs created by emergent and conventional energy sources,” says President John A. Fry.
The institute will bring together researchers from across the University to concentrate on six interdependent research thrusts: energy, environment and society; energy scenarios; energy-effective design; energy storage technologies; energy systems, analytics and control; and energy sources. Teams will explore topics such as how to reduce energy consumption, the state of regulation, how to efficiently store energy and the smart grid.
Drexel is currently conducting a national search for a director to head the institute. Research will also be guided by the expert advice of the IExE Alliance — members of corporations, nonprofits, NGOs and concerned citizens — and a scientific advisory board made up of researchers and scholars.